A significant number of new enterprises collapse within the first year, mostly due to inadequate financing. The backbone of every business is money, and for this reason, anyone who intends to start up any venture requires capital. After plotting, planning, and coming up with ideas on how the business operates, the next most crucial step is generating funds to finance the picture.
There are different types of loans you can apply for to finance your startups. It would help if you studied the other options available to choose the best option for you. Check out Alpine Credits to get an idea of loan options.
Different loans come with various terms and conditions, and to know the best one to go for, you should lay out what you need the money for, how much money you need, and what refund terms you are most comfortable with.
Let's look at some of the best business loan options that are available.
1. Loan From Family And Friends
Loans from family and friends are a usual option. Many people who have started businesses have considered going for this option at one point in time.
However, it is advisable to take specific measures and use certain approaches to get the best out of this decision. The entire agreement should expressly state the interest rate and the terms of repayment. This clarity will reduce or eliminate disputes. Documenting the terms of a contract is a wise move should the IRS decide to probe your business. One outstanding feature of this type of loan is a low-interest rate.
2. A Business Term Loan
A business term loan is a bank loan with a fixed amount of money and a determined repayment date. This kind of loan is typically for funding the purchase of certain assets or paraphernalia needed by the business. In some cases, enterprises obtain this type of loan to help with the operating costs over a certain period. There are three types of business term loans including;
● Short-Term Loan: this type of term loan usually lasts for less than a year or a little over a year in some cases.
● Intermediary Loan: this type of loan typically lasts over a year but not up to three and is to be paid in monthly installments.
● Long-Term Loan: this type of loan lasts up to three years or as long as twenty-five years. It typically needs the business assets as collateral and mandates monthly or quarterly returns from revenue.
For short-term loans and intermediary loans, the final installment is usually higher than the others referred to as balloon payments.
3. Business Lines Of Credit
A business line of credit is a fluid loan similar to owning a credit card in the sense that you can borrow money and repay on your terms. It is a very flexible option, especially for startups. However, with this type of loan, you have to stay within your credit limit and make early returns. There are two types of business line credits:
● Secured Business Line of Credit: This type demands that the business provides some assets as collateral to ensure the line stays secured. Given that a credit line is a short- term liability, lenders don't typically demand capital assets such as apparatus, equipment, or properties. If the borrower defaults, the lender will liquidate the given collateral to pay off the debt.
● Unsecured Business Line of Credit: This LOC type doesn't need collateral but may need a property claim. Since collateral is not necessary for this type of loan, a business will need an excellent track record to qualify, and the interest rate will most likely be higher.
One similar type of loan is the Home Equity Line of Credit loan. This type of loan is not for businesses but for those looking to receive financial aid for their mortgage.
4. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
Small business administration loans are loans for small businesses, given by private financial institutions with the advantage of being partly backed up by the government. The government's involvement reduces the risk that these financial institutions may face by issuing a loan.
A web of approved financial institutions hands out these loans to small, struggling businesses but need the Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantee to ensure the company pays off its debt. Generally, SBA loans can last up to 5 years or more, but customarily it lasts for ten years. SBAs usually come in three schemes:
● The 7a Scheme - the main program created by the SBA to assist small businesses: Different loans have different terms and conditions, and you get a loan ranging from $35,000 to $5,000,000.
● The CDC Loan Scheme - a business term loan to assist small businesses in purchasing equipment and assets needed for development or other long-term projects. This loan can last up to 10 or 20 years and offers the most considerable amount obtainable, depending on the motive.
● The Mico Loan Scheme - offers the least amount of money obtainable from the SBA. The amount ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 and is usually for businesses that don't have enough collateral or firms that need some financial aid.
5. Bank Loans
Banks are known globally for being one of the top financing options for businesses. However, getting a bank loan can be stressful for small businesses, as the terms and conditions are somewhat restrictive.
A lot of people assume SBA loans are bank loans, but this is not the case. Although SBA loans are from banks and some other financial institutions, the government supports this type of loan. Bank loans may offer adequate funds with comfortable repayment terms and interest rates, but they are difficult to obtain and regulate your use of available funds. They are best for established enterprises.
Loan Leverage
Before you apply for any loan, you should find out all the implications, terms and conditions, of the type of loan you want to use. Go for the loan option that is the most comfortable for your business and startups.